Professional Nursing (Mental Health)

This three-year degree programme integrates theory and practice, preparing our students to be world-class practitioners in the area of Mental Health Nursing.

Students will spend 50 per cent of their time in class learning the latest nursing theory and clinical skills, and 50 per cent of their time with one of our internationally-recognised training partners in a wide variety of clinical and community settings throughout Northern Ireland.

Our highly-trained lecturing staff are actively engaged in areas of speciality practice, and our personal tutor system for student support is very well regarded. There are also opportunities for elective placements with one of our international partners in the final year of study.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will become a Registered Nurse in Mental Health possessing a distinct set of knowledge, skills and expertise in the context of person-centred care and co-production that promotes and maintains health and well-being.

The Mental Health Nurse adopts a life span approach to nursing assessment, treatments, interventions, education and care and support across a diverse range of settings, including, home, in-patient assessment and treatment units, nursing homes, secure settings, residential care homes and community-based teams to contribute to meeting the care needs of people with mental ill health and their families and carers.

On successful completion of this programme of study, you will be able to
o Provide effective, person centred care for people with mental ill health and their families across the lifespan.
o Be respectful, kind, caring, compassionate knowledgeable and skilled nurse practitioners.
o Be effective communicators

Professional Nursing (Mental Health) Degree highlights

Students may be eligible to have their fees paid by the Department of Health, (DoH), and may receive a bursary

Global Opportunities

Student exchange programmes enrich your ability to critically compare the diverse delivery of health care and practice from a more global perspective. As globalisation becomes increasingly important, the opportunity to study abroad, and experience another culture is a rewarding and meaningful experience. Final year students have the opportunity to apply for an international elective placement with the guidance and support from International co-ordinators in midwifery and each field of nursing.

Professional Accreditations

Professional Registration with the NMC (2020) as a Mental Health Nurse

Career Development

Nurses and Midwives learn to be an integral part of a healthcare team. Within this School, multidisciplinary teams of medical students and nursing students work together using interprofessional learning scenarios.

World Class Facilities

Learn and test your clinical skills through the use of state of the art simulation equipment. Our revolutionary facilities, opening in 2020, allow our educators to role play scenarios in response to the students' actions. This activity often takes place behind a one way mirror and provides the teaching team with the opportunity to observe and monitor the students' responses to the specific scenarios.
Students work in multidisciplinary teams in our state-of-the-art simulation centre, using the latest technology for learning.

Brexit Advice

Course Structure

Stage 1

You will be introduced to professional working alongside foundational knowledge and skills in Mental Health Nursing to support you in implementing safe and effective person centred care. You will learn about the systems of the body, pharmacology and caring communication, as well as Public Health.

You will support patients to manage their health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and develop critical thinking skills to apply to decision making in clinical practice.

Stage 2

You will develop your skills in assessing and planning person centred care with service user and carer involvement whilst exploring factors that predispose to, and protect people from, mental ill-health across the life course. You will deepen your knowledge of bioscience and pharmacology, and develop the skills required to analyse and critically appraise evidence with a focus on quality improvement.

Stage 3

Leadership will be a key focus in this final year whilst managing the complexity of mental ill health across the lifespan. You will apply a range of therapeutic interventions, managing small groups of people. You will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning in practice preparing you to enter the register as a Mental Health nurse.

People teaching you

Contact Teaching Times

Large Group Teaching

4 (hours maximum)Lectures are used to introduce new concepts and theories to large groups. 100% attendance is mandatory for all timetabled classes.

Personal Study

60 (hours maximum)Students are expected to spend a considerable amount of time reading around the concepts so that they can come prepared to workshops and tutorials, able to debate and roleplay issues.

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

9 (hours maximum)Students will engage in workshops and tutorials to explore the concepts introduced in lectures in greater detail, and apply them to real life scenarios

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc (Hons) in Professional Nursing we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

E-Learning technologiesA range of e-learning experiences are embedded in the degree using the Learning Management system, Canvas. Other examples include: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space, podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.

LecturesIntroduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

Personal TutorUndergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during each year to support their academic development.

Practical and Simulation Based EducationWhere you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. All nursing students have opportunities to engage in interprofessional education (IPE) activities. You will be expected to attend 100% of classes within your nursing modules.

Self-directed studyThis is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research work for assignments is carried out.

Seminars/tutorialsSignificant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

Work Practice placementsStudents will undertake clinical placements regularly throughout the programme. This enhances the link from theory to practice in nursing and provides students with a wide variety of opportunities and experiences across a range of health and social care contexts. It is an essential component of the programme ensuring that the student has sufficient opportunities to develop skill and competence in care provision and decision making, meeting the requirements for professional registration as a Mental Health Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2020).

Placements in Mental Health Nursing can be anywhere in Northern Ireland; students should expect to travel to placements. When on placements every student is assigned a supervisor, who is trained in teaching within the clinical setting, and will work alongside them regardless of that person’s shift pattern. Students should expect to work night shifts and/or long days on a regular basis while on placement.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Modules are assessed through a variety of assessments that may include assignments, project work, presentations or examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Handbook which is provided to all students at the start of each module.

Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted

Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query

Placement employer comments or references

Online or emailed comment

General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time

Feedback and outcomes from practical classes

Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Entrance requirements

All applicantsThis information is prepared in advance of the academic year to which it relates and the grades stated should be treated as a guide only and entrance requirements are reviewed annually.

Overall academic background will be taken into account when considering applications and additional academic criteria may have to be applied at shortlisting, depending on the volume of applications.

All applicants (except Access/Foundation applicants) must normally have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C to include English Language or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, Mathematics and a Science subject (ie Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Double Award Science or Single Award Science). GCSE/BTEC Applied Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.

Applicants offering Access/Foundation courses must also have a grade C in GCSE Mathematics and a Science subject (see above) or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Within an Access programme, a pass in NICATS Mathematics and a pass in one Level 3 Biology or Chemistry or Physics module would fulfil the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements.

In addition to the GCSE requirements, or equivalent, applicants must offer one of the following qualifications:

A-levelBCC including a relevant Science (Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Life & Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics)
OR
BBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered.

Irish Leaving CertificateH3H3H3H4H4 at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is offered (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
OR
H3H3H3H3H4 at Higher Level where a relevant Science subject is not offered.

All applicants - if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics and a Science subject.

Open University CreditA minimum of 120 OU Credits. Must satisfy the GCSE Mathematics and Science requirements as above.

1. Applicants who satisfy the academic requirements or will be able to do so by 31 August 2021 are shortlisted for interview on the basis of their Personal Statement in their UCAS application. This is scored against criteria set by the Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery (NIPEC).

2. Interviews normally take place in March and use the Multi-mini Interview format to test value-based skills.

3. Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview scores and are subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment and Criminal Record check(s), in addition to any academic requirements. More detail can be found on the School's website.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Speaking and Reading, and a minimum of 6.5 in Writing or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Academic English and Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Career Prospects

IntroductionStudying for a BSc (Hons) Professional Nursing degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers both nationally and internationally.

Employment after the CourseAround 99% of graduates from this programme go on to pursue a career in nursing which is an interesting, rewarding and challenging career where work can be in a variety of health care settings, with people of all ages and backgrounds. Nursing can also offer a diverse range of post registration opportunities to specialise in areas such as counselling; public health and health promotion; acute care, as well as education and research

Additional Awards Gained

All students entering this programme are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure check with Access NI which costs £33.

In Year 1 students must buy a uniform from a QUB uniform supplier (approximate cost £180), a name badge (£10) and a Practice Assessment Document (PAD) (£10) from the University.

All students on this program will undertake clinical placements, students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placements. Some reimbursement may be available.
International and non-commissioned pre-registration students are required to pay a placement charge of £3,000.

In Year 3 students may wish to undertake an international elective placement, students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.

Students may wish to buy a Fob Watch or Pinard Horn, approximate cost £15.

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

The undergraduate fees for 2021 entry have not yet been set. The fees shown are for 2020 entry and are to be used only as a guide. Please check back later in 2020 to view updated fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Professional Nursing (Mental Health) costs

All students entering this programme are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure check with Access NI which costs £33.

In Year 1 students must buy a uniform from a QUB uniform supplier (approximate cost £180), a name badge (£10) and a clinical portfolio (£10) from the University.

All students on this program will undertake clinical placements, students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placements. Some reimbursement may be available.

In Year 3 students may wish to undertake an international elective placement, students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement.

Students may wish to buy a Fob Watch or Pinard Horn, approximate cost £15."

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

International Scholarships

How and when to Apply

1. How to ApplyApplication for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:www.ucas.com/apply

2. When to ApplyUCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2021 from 1 September 2020.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2021 (18:00).

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code for Queen’s is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

3. Terms and ConditionsAfter an offer is made this will be notified to applicants through UCAS. Confirmation will be emailed by the Admissions and Access Service and this communication will also include Terms and Conditions which applicants should read carefully in advance of replying to their offer(s) on UCAS Track.

4. International (Non- EU) StudentsADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) STUDENTS
Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

4.1 Applying through UCASMost students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's.www.ucas.com/

4.2 Applying directThe Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application.

4.3 Applying through agents and partnersThe University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.